Solid surfacing

From MaterialProject.org, the free architectural material catalog

Material Catalog · Material by MasterFormat · Help

Contents 1 Material analysis 1.1 Traditional uses 1.2 Emerging uses / trends 1.3 Finish and aesthetic qualities 1.4 Surface forms / shapes 1.5 Cost analysis 2 Material properties 2.1 Primary structural use 2.2 Material performance 2.3 Dimensional and opening restriction 2.4 Manufacturing process and assembly 3 Environment and Life Safety 3.1 Environmental impact 3.2 Coefficient of friction 4 References 4.1 Student contributions 5 See also 5.1 Similar materials 6 External links 6.1 Leading manufacturers

Material analysis

MasterFormat Number: 06 60 00

Traditional uses

• Countertops
• Sinks
• Vanities
• Showers/tubs
• Walls
• Backsplashes

Emerging uses / trends

• Aesthetic applications incorporating color, texture and pattern
• Furniture
• Accessories

Finish and aesthetic qualities

• Broad range of colors and designs due to composition of minerals and acrylic resins
• Surface textures are smooth and consistent
• Seems tend to be solid, flush to the surface (inconspicuous) and moisture resistant
• No grout to clean, and liquids cannot penetrate the surface
• No sealing or special cleaning products required
• Minor scratches and burns can be buffed out
• Gloss or semi-gloss finish may require more maintenance than a matte or satin finish - scratches may be more apparent and require a more detailed buffing technique. Darker colors also may require more maintenance.

Surface forms / shapes

• Edges formed by fusing pieces of material together. Since it can be shaped and routed, edge options are nearly limitless.

Cost analysis

• $60 - $80/ CuFt:

Material properties

Primary structural use

• Applied

Material performance

• Durable
• Available in wide variety of colors and textures
• Resists moisture, bacteria and stains

Dimensional and opening restriction

• Typically 2" thick
• Typical countertop dimension 25 1/2” depth: 8’, 10’ and 12’ lengths
• Typical island dimension 27” or 36” widths: 8’, 10’, 12’ lengths
• Openings can be routed, shaped, and thermoformed as desired

Manufacturing process and assembly

• Machine molded minerals
• Acrylic resins and colors added

Environment and Life Safety

Environmental impact

Solid Surfacing meets FDA standards for food contact, ASTM International standards (G-21 and G-22) for fungal and bacterial resistance and have NSF International approval in Class 51 for both “Splash Zone” and “Food Zone” areas.

Coefficient of friction

• Varies by product

References

Student contributions

• Shalini Sookar, Spring 2008
• Elisabeth Grace, Fall 2005

See also

Similar materials

• marble
• granite
• slate
• concrete

External links

Leading manufacturers

• http://www.corian.com
• http://www.wilsonart.com
• http://www.formica.com